Obituaries

Related Photos

Edward Rolf Jacobsen passed away on Dec. 1, 2013 in Yakima, Wash., a week after having a cardiac arrest and just five days before his 75th birthday.

He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on Dec. 6, 1938 and grew up as an adventurous and inquisitive child in Tehachapi. He was always willing to build and try everything. In high school, he played football and graduated from Tehachapi High School. He truly was a sweetheart for his small, close community. Everyone knew and loved “Little Eddie.” Well, everyone except for at least one poor teacher who had to put up with too much of his mischief and maybe a few of his church leaders who had a hard time answering all of his questions.

After high school, he attended and graduated from University of California at Davis and put his passion for agriculture to full effect. He engineered a mechanical aid for harvesting fruit and pursued his interests in farming both fruit and sod. Through his Jacobsen Brothers, WesTurf, and Mountain Crest labels, he is responsible for installing turf and seeding areas for stadiums at the professional, collegiate, and local school levels across California and Eastern Washington. He installed multiple commercial and residential projects including golf courses in Hawaii and California. His myriad accomplishments include Candlestick Park in San Francisco, the Raiders' Oakland Coliseum, Hawaii's Princeville and Turtle Bay golf courses, and many of our local area schools. He took great pride as a community member of the greater Yakima area.

Ed Jacobsen had many passions and interests. He loved fishing, snorkeling, and traveling. Some of his favorite trips were to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, Kauai and Maui in Hawaii, Sunriver in Oregon and Hakai Fishing Lodge in British Columbia. He particularly enjoyed any trips he spent with family or friends. In his younger years, he loved flying and obtained his pilot's license. He also loved farming and his community. He found a second home in Yakima, which reminded him of his childhood town of Tehachapi. Ed was an avid Seahawks fan and relished attending games with family and friends. Forever young at heart, toys were also an interest. He enjoyed his “Bat Boat” and looked forward to restoring his '88 convertible Jaguar. Ed Jacobsen was also a true patriot. He had the greatest respect for those who serve our country and always looked forward to the 4th of July. His favorite pastime was defintely being at home with family and friends: barbequing, relaxing around the pool, and just enjoying life.

Ed leaves an impressive legacy with his wife, Phyllis Jacobsen, whome he married on Oct. 3, 1971 at the Fern Grotto in Wailua, Kauai. Those who will miss him the most include his wife, five children (Mark Jacobsen, Lanette McCaslin, Brett Jacobsen, Kym Long, and Shanna Koepp), ten grandchildren (Chris Jacobsen, Leanne Hodgin, Tyler Madonna, Lauren McCaslin, Wesley McCaslin, Matthew Jacobsen, Erin Jacobsen, Megan Jacobsen, Tanner Long and Taylor Long), and loving sister, Joan Thompson. However, Ed had a great impact on all those he met. He deeply adored all of his extended family and friends. We his family thank you for being a part of his life.

At this time there are no services scheduled. His wife, children, and grandchildren will gather on his birthday to celebrate him. Please honor him by taking time to walk in the orchard, lie in the grass, hug your children, help a stranger, or just offer someone a smile. Enjoy every day to its fullest, just as he did.

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.